The Baltimore City Council is proposing a $1000 fine for non-city residents who purchase illegal drugs within the city. The fine would be in addition to any criminal charges.
This unusual penalty is an effort to pay for the drug enforcement costs due to county & out-of-town drug users who travel to Baltimore to participate in the city’s significant drug trade marketplace. Police officers would issue the additional citation when confirming the residence of the person arrested for drug possession/drug purchasing.
Attorneys note that there may be significant constitutional issues with this ordinance. It may be illegal to treat residents and non-residents differently for the same criminal charge. It is also not likely to effectively fight the drug trade.
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If you are charged with drug possession in Maryland, please contact us for a criminal defense legal case evaluation.
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